CHAPTER XXV.
GERALD HAS AN UNPLEASANT ADVENTURE.
It was certainly a matter of surprise that a man like Standish should put up at a high-priced and fashionable hotel like the Lindell. Moreover Gerald soon learned that he had a room very near them. There was but one between. One thing more that looked suspicious was that Standish, though he frequently passed Gerald and his companion, appeared to take very little notice of them.
“I am afraid Mr. Standish is cutting us, Mr. Brooke,” said Gerald laughing.
“Perhaps we are not up to his standard,” returned Brooke. “I suppose there is no help for it. If you think a little social attention would conciliate him——”
“Such as lending him a five-dollar bill,” suggested Gerald.
“I see you have some knowledge of human nature, Gerald. I confess I should like to find out the man’s object in following us, for it is evident that our being at this hotel is the attraction for him.”
“I will engage him in conversation,” said Gerald, “on the first opportunity.”
“Do so.”
That evening Gerald met Mr. Standish in the lobby of the hotel.